Augmented Reality Display Brings Classic Venetian Landmarks Back to Life
# **Eternalizing Venice with Augmented Reality: Lorenzo Quinn’s “Anime di Venezia” Exhibition Honors Venetian Legends**
Photo: Speranzoni Wladimiro
With its famous canals, breathtaking Renaissance buildings, and rich historical background, Venice stands as one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. Renowned for its floating charm, Venice not only captivates photographers but also serves as a cultural epicenter, hosting world-famous events like the **Venice Art Biennale**. The city has given rise to some of history’s most notable figures, including the explorer **Marco Polo**, the celebrated painter **Titian**, and the influential composer **Antonio Vivaldi**.
Yet, the city’s historical importance extends beyond its grand palaces and galleries. Recently, Venice’s artistic heritage has seamlessly intertwined with modern technology in the **Anime di Venezia – Souls of Venice** exhibition. Created by acclaimed Italian artist **Lorenzo Quinn**, this installation introduced an interactive element of augmented reality (AR) to the city’s illustrious past, reviving its legendary personas in a unique fashion.
## **A Contemporary Artistic Tribute: Lorenzo Quinn’s Fascinating Installation**
At the center of Quinn’s **Anime di Venezia** is a collection of exquisitely designed metal sculptures. The artist constructed 15 statues, each embodying a prominent figure from Venetian history. Crafted from metallic mesh, these sculptures present a striking combination of transparency and solidity. The exhibition took place at **Ca’ Rezzonico**, a magnificent 18th-century palace currently housing Venice’s Museum of 18th-Century Art, conveniently situated along the **Grand Canal**. The ornate architecture of Ca’ Rezzonico beautifully complemented the ethereal allure of Quinn’s creations, emphasizing the agelessness of Venice itself.
However, Quinn’s exhibition transcended conventional artistic tributes. For the first time in his career, Quinn integrated the tangible realm of sculpture with cutting-edge technology. Utilizing a **dedicated AR app**, visitors could scan the metallic sculptures with their smartphones and convert them into animated avatars, breathing life into the historically-inspired statues.
The nexus of past and present was integral to Quinn’s artistic vision. The installation encouraged visitors to reconsider their understanding of history through the experience of art in the *“here and now.”*
## **Augmented Reality: Revitalizing Venice’s Historical Figures**
What truly distinguished **Anime di Venezia** was its incorporation of **augmented reality (AR)**, a groundbreaking twist in the art landscape that added substantial interactive dimensions to the still sculptures. As visitors scanned the metal figures with their devices, the previously unanimated sculptures sprang to life, transforming the museum experience into one of active engagement. The augmented representations offered fresh perspectives on Venice’s history, illuminating the individuals they depicted.
Through each animated figure, attendees connected not only with the physical splendor of Quinn’s art but also with the stories behind each character. The exhibition text encouraged visitors to interact with these “Souls” as though they were conversing directly with them: *“When questioned, these Souls speak to us and tell us about themselves and a city of which they continue to be part.”*
By incorporating AR, Quinn accomplished something innovative: merging fine art with contemporary technology fostered a dialogue between Venice’s rich history and today’s audience. It represented a reassessment of history for a digitally-savvy generation, while still honoring the past.
Photo: Speranzoni Wladimiro
## **Marco Polo and the 60th Venice Biennale: Celebrating Historic Figures**
The **Anime di Venezia** exhibition emerged as a timely project, coinciding with the **700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s passing** and the 60th iteration of Venice’s world-renowned **Biennale**. Marco Polo, the Venetian trader who traversed Asia, stands as one of Venice’s most celebrated historical figures, and his adventurous essence strongly resonated within Quinn’s exploration of the city’s lasting cultural impact.
By highlighting these Venetian icons, the exhibition underscored the timelessness of the city’s personalities. Their legacies continue to echo in contemporary times—not just through art but also through cultural events like the **Biennale**, which persist in redefining the landscape of artistic expression worldwide.
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